Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Known as the “Flying Shark”, the J-15 is China’s first domestically developed twin-engined heavy carrier-based fighter jet. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Fighter in service for more than a decade often patrols potential conflict hotspots including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

45 minutes agovideocam

China’s PLA simulated battles near Mexico, Cuba and Taiwan, CCTV report shows

China's military weapons

China Economy

Consumer demand and public services top China’s financial priorities for 2026

National fiscal work conference ends in Beijing with pledge to spur domestic market.

3 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why Saudi Arabia might not fulfil its US spending pledge, and the China factor

Analysts say Riyadh’s investment target of nearly US$1 trillion may not be feasible – and it’s more about optics than a binding commitment.

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Society

Hong Kong Island promenade to be completed after 16 years as final section opens

Last 1.1km section in North Point, featuring glass observatory deck, completes 13km-long walkway linking Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan.

2 hours ago

Science

The development could given China an edge in the development of 6G technology. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese 6G smart surface could allow stealth jets to use radar as a power source

Military

China’s anti-corruption campaign claims 3 more top military officers

Two generals and an admiral have been expelled from the national legislature after noticeable absences in recent months.

28 Dec 2025 - 4:59PM

Wang Renhua was elevated to the highest rank for officers in active service in March, 2024. Photo: CCTV

China Economy

Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins.

28 Dec 2025 - 3:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

How Algeria could help China plug iron ore gaps and gain pricing power

The Gara Djebilet deposit in the Sahara Desert was discovered decades ago but is only now coming into production.

28 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

People & Culture

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

In partnership with:

Yidan Prize Foundation

The 2025 Yidan Prize laureates Professor Uri Wilensky (left) and Mamadou Amadou Ly help remove barriers to education by transforming how learners access and engage with knowledge.

Politics

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

29 minutes agovideocam

A voter shows her inked finger after casting a ballot in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Diplomacy

China says it’s ready to help Asean monitor Thailand-Cambodia truce

Top diplomat Wang Yi hosts two days of talks with Cambodian and Thai counterparts to consolidate a border ceasefire.

2 hours agovideocam

Europe

Brigitte Bardot, French icon and animal rights activist, dies at 91

Bardot became a global star in “And God Created Woman” in 1956, starred in 50 other films, then left acting to focus on animal rights advocacy.

4 hours ago

Politics

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

28 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

Protesters wearing masks depicting the faces of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr march during a rally to mark the International Human Rights Day in Manila on December 10. Photo: AFP

Society

Indonesian helper battles trauma, faces job insecurity after Hong Kong fire

NGOs say they are bracing for more terminations among helpers as families begin to count the cost of their losses.

2 hours ago

As many as 235 domestic helpers lived in Wang Fuk Court before the blaze. Photo: Karma Lo

Politics

Hong Kong liaison office’s Qi Bin to take up role in Beijing on economic affairs

Qi Bin expected to be appointed deputy director of economic committee under Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

3 hours ago

Russia & Central Asia

Russia’s Putin warns of escalation if Ukraine rejects peace talks

The Russian ‌leader said Moscow was ready to achieve its war goals by force amid contested claims of territorial gains.

28 Dec 2025 - 2:12PMvideocam

Society

650 Hongkongers on Taiwan group tours confirmed safe after ‘terrifying’ quake

Earthquake occurred at 11.05pm in Taiwan, with epicentre located about 70km southeast of Taipei and at focal depth of 60km, Observatory says.

2 hours ago

The earthquake occurred at 11.05pm in Taiwan. Photo: Handout

Politics

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

28 Dec 2025 - 12:00PM

Chinese journalist Nan Xianghong interviews a resident of Chongshan village in Zhejiang province, who recounts witnessing Japanese soldiers performing vivisections on plague victims during World War II. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong to launch ‘special channel’ for cross-border sensitive biological data

A ‘green channel’ and ‘white list’ system will allow samples and data to cross between innovation hubs in Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen.

55 minutes ago

Politics

From PM purge to border bombs: Thailand’s year of upheaval

As the country mourns the loss of Queen Mother Sirikit amid political chaos and a sluggish economy, Lisa’s global reign lights up Thai public.

28 Dec 2025 - 1:30PMvideocam

OPINION

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Letters

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Military

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

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Football

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SCMP Series Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

25 Dec 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

24 Dec 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

23 Dec 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

22 Dec 2025 - 10:02AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

15 Dec 2025 - 10:05AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Economist Huang Yiping on why China’s AI push must be ‘job-oriented’

Dean of Peking University’s National School of Development says ‘balance’ needed in AI development to protect employment, ‘human well-being’.

8 Dec 2025 - 10:07AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

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Key Industries:

Tech

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

China Business

Dozens of Chinese EV makers under pressure to fold or trim operations: analysts

Grappling with expiring cash subsidies and tax incentives, China’s car market is forecast to see deliveries slump next year.

28 Dec 2025 - 9:46AM

Big Tech

Nexperia China eyes new wafer suppliers amid legal fight with Dutch chipmaker

Nexperia owner Wingtech says the China unit produced more than 11 billion chips since mid-October, despite wafer supply constraints.

27 Dec 2025 - 6:36PM

China Economy

Soaring to the top: China appoints first female captain for C919 flights

Promotion of former Boeing 737 pilot Yu Yue, who holds a ‘zero error’ record, called an inspiration to women across the nation.

27 Dec 2025 - 2:00PMvideocam

Yu Yue has been appointed as made the first female captain pilot of the C919. Photo: China Southern Airlines

China Economy

Wild goose chase? France works to rouse China’s appetite for foie gras imports

French producers hope their famed pate can win a slice of China’s market, but price sensitivities and domestic competition could mean their goose is cooked.

27 Dec 2025 - 6:09AMvideocam

Military

How Beijing’s strategy shift explains decreased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

25 Dec 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

Politics

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

The party’s new chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has adopted a mainland-friendly tone but it remains to be seen if she can live up to Beijing’s hopes.

24 Dec 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

Politics

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Analysts examine Taiwan-related policy announcements, a new commemoration day and military posturing for clues to Beijing’s intent.

23 Dec 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Fighter in service for more than a decade often patrols potential conflict hotspots including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

China’s PLA simulated battles near Mexico, Cuba and Taiwan, CCTV report shows

Consumer demand and public services top China’s financial priorities for 2026

National fiscal work conference ends in Beijing with pledge to spur domestic market.

Why Saudi Arabia might not fulfil its US spending pledge, and the China factor

Analysts say Riyadh’s investment target of nearly US$1 trillion may not be feasible – and it’s more about optics than a binding commitment.

Hong Kong Island promenade to be completed after 16 years as final section opens

Last 1.1km section in North Point, featuring glass observatory deck, completes 13km-long walkway linking Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan.

Chinese 6G smart surface could allow stealth jets to use radar as a power source

China’s anti-corruption campaign claims 3 more top military officers

Two generals and an admiral have been expelled from the national legislature after noticeable absences in recent months.

Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins.

How Algeria could help China plug iron ore gaps and gain pricing power

The Gara Djebilet deposit in the Sahara Desert was discovered decades ago but is only now coming into production.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

China says it’s ready to help Asean monitor Thailand-Cambodia truce

Top diplomat Wang Yi hosts two days of talks with Cambodian and Thai counterparts to consolidate a border ceasefire.

Brigitte Bardot, French icon and animal rights activist, dies at 91

Bardot became a global star in “And God Created Woman” in 1956, starred in 50 other films, then left acting to focus on animal rights advocacy.

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

Indonesian helper battles trauma, faces job insecurity after Hong Kong fire

NGOs say they are bracing for more terminations among helpers as families begin to count the cost of their losses.

Hong Kong liaison office’s Qi Bin to take up role in Beijing on economic affairs

Qi Bin expected to be appointed deputy director of economic committee under Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Russia’s Putin warns of escalation if Ukraine rejects peace talks

The Russian ‌leader said Moscow was ready to achieve its war goals by force amid contested claims of territorial gains.

650 Hongkongers on Taiwan group tours confirmed safe after ‘terrifying’ quake

Earthquake occurred at 11.05pm in Taiwan, with epicentre located about 70km southeast of Taipei and at focal depth of 60km, Observatory says.

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

Hong Kong to launch ‘special channel’ for cross-border sensitive biological data

A ‘green channel’ and ‘white list’ system will allow samples and data to cross between innovation hubs in Lok Ma Chau and Shenzhen.

From PM purge to border bombs: Thailand’s year of upheaval

As the country mourns the loss of Queen Mother Sirikit amid political chaos and a sluggish economy, Lisa’s global reign lights up Thai public.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Trump’s pivot puts Pacific Rim at heart of global power shift

Opinion | Why America can no longer build something like the Manhattan Project

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Why lapses in the Tai Po tragedy are both shocking and familiar

Opinion | Quiet courage of ordinary people can rebuild a world in crisis

Editorial | Keep humans in mind as China races ahead in robotics

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Camargo penalty saves Hong Kong in ill-tempered clash with 9-man Guangdong

Hong Kong’s men and women to battle for bronze in lacrosse sixes tournament

5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan

Consumer demand and public services top China’s financial priorities for 2026

Incoming Hong Kong lawmaker Vivian Kong to shift to Jockey Club consultant role

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

Open Questions | Economist Huang Yiping on why China’s AI push must be ‘job-oriented’

Dean of Peking University’s National School of Development says ‘balance’ needed in AI development to protect employment, ‘human well-being’.

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

Dozens of Chinese EV makers under pressure to fold or trim operations: analysts

Grappling with expiring cash subsidies and tax incentives, China’s car market is forecast to see deliveries slump next year.

Nexperia China eyes new wafer suppliers amid legal fight with Dutch chipmaker

Nexperia owner Wingtech says the China unit produced more than 11 billion chips since mid-October, despite wafer supply constraints.

Soaring to the top: China appoints first female captain for C919 flights

Promotion of former Boeing 737 pilot Yu Yue, who holds a ‘zero error’ record, called an inspiration to women across the nation.

Wild goose chase? France works to rouse China’s appetite for foie gras imports

French producers hope their famed pate can win a slice of China’s market, but price sensitivities and domestic competition could mean their goose is cooked.

How Beijing’s strategy shift explains decreased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

The party’s new chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has adopted a mainland-friendly tone but it remains to be seen if she can live up to Beijing’s hopes.

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Analysts examine Taiwan-related policy announcements, a new commemoration day and military posturing for clues to Beijing’s intent.

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Opinion | Trump’s pivot puts Pacific Rim at heart of global power shift

Letters | Why lapses in the Tai Po tragedy are both shocking and familiar